I know the church I'm a part of that's definitely the case... I am the minister of music and I feel like it's always a good cop bad cop routine I get up there talking about the love talking about how God is for us and the only one that is against us that accuses us as the devil and then he preaches the exact opposite he preaches the god of the Old testament of Mount Sinai and
@@michaelworshamGodisLoveyep I hear you. Such a mixed message. My old church changed drastically after our pastor left. I finally left. But I haven't left Jesus And He hasn't ever left me. Institutional church is not what I need right now.
So true, my church is obsessed with this constant striving to achieve. It's draining, depressing, and miserable. We're supposed to live a free life, I actually feel more shackled. Love your message Mark, so important and essential.
Mark your videos have brought so much more self-awareness in my life. Have been on a journey for a long time but your videos are continuing to guide me as i continue to move forward in my journey, and to keep growing. Mark and Melissa you are a 🎉Gift to us all!
I experienced some of this once when I joined a online group through a charismatic ministry. There seemed to be a lot of disturbance and compulsive striving from a few in the sense of performance driven behavior toward encountering God in a supernatural way. It was difficult to relate at times. I definitely agree that extremes of these wrong mindsets are being enabled. This was a great message! Thank you Mark. 🙏
amen, Mark!!! I and my daughters were so trained & encouraged to be obsessive-compulsive within “christianity” - so much hurt & HARM!!!! and we were also told in our brand of christianity that there is no such thing as mental or emotional problems; no ocd; no ptsd; no complex trauma; no victims; no low self-esteem - it’s all just our sin - no need for counseling or therapy (another sin!) - just repent you worms! in autumn of 2021 we were first introduced to your ministry and it was like the dawn breaking on our depressed, hopeless, darkened hearts thank God for truth!!!!!
Actually, it is true that only Jesus and all that He is, is enough for us, and in a sense, the labels the world uses to define our suffering directly or indirectly from the effects of sin and the fallen world tends to divert from the full gaze we ought to keep having of the everlasting mercy of the cross. But what many churches do is instead of keeping our attention on Him alone, they teach us to look at His grace and mercy through the spectacles of the respective churches.
This is definitely a journey, being someone who doesn't like unfairness with control issues and boundary issues and loves Jesus, this speaks directly to my heart. Accepting love and truly surrendering are my flesh battles. Can anyone relate?
We as a church in general don’t get to know one another because we become less interested in people and more interested in whether they’re following Christ correctly. This is so sad 😞
I keep asking myself if I'm doing it right because of my own journey and I do feel like we should skip the guilt and if we are trying to build a relationship with God regardless of *labels * or ways in which we believe is the important thing because like you say all the same church
True. I feel like my long-term Christian friends were not really desirous of me as a friend, just their function. Just like Rich Mullins sang, some people are friendly, but they will never be your friend, this has bent me to the ground. Im so weary of the church.
Thank God for your channel and ministry, Mark. You are one of the only people I have found who is willing to speak openly and honestly about these issues. You’re absolutely right-so many of our church sermons and overall environment inspire unhealthy, compulsive living, and those who consistently pour gasoline on that fire are rarely willing to listen and understand the harm that it causes. In many ways, the idea of “grace” has been removed from the “Good News,” completely distorting the message. I’m truly thankful for you, and for your boldness in reminding the Body of Christ that “perfect love casts out fear.”
Man oh man, I'm only half way through but you have really hit the nail on the head. Thank God that He's doing the sanctifying work, cause I sure can't.
Wow! It is so good to hear this being addressed. Over the last few years, at times I would think about the many things we are encouraged to do through Sunday sermons. As I would ponder that I would chuckle and say to myself that even if I quit working and stop all the things I do, I still wouldn’t have enough time and energy to work on even 3 months worth of messages. As I began hearing your talk, tears started to flow over knowing that someone else, particularly you as a pastor is acknowledging this. Instantly my thoughts turned to the Lord in gratitude. It was as though He said with a warm and compassionate smile “Yeah, I never intended to have this heavy yoke placed on my people”. I have begun to grow into more of a relational existence with God, and while there is stretching involved, it’s a different kind of stretching compared to all the do’s and don’ts of Sunday morning messages, bible study group stuff etc. I grew up and am part of evangelical Christianity, and while I have learned a number of good things in this spiritual environment, I am glad that God is just God! 😄 Thanks very much for speaking into this! Matt 11:28 Gal 5:1
Wow, thank you so much. This is exactly what I needed to hear today. I have been overwhelmed and confused about how to be a good Christian. I know I’m free but I don’t feel free. Your words have really helped me. 🙏🏻
I agree with you wholeheartedly about how much the voice of the accuser is mistaken for the voice of the Holy Spirit!!!... It's so frustrating and torturous to be on staff with someone who preaches the old covenant and who is constantly preaching sin consciousness... I mean it really does feel like that he is a voice for the for the spirit of the accuser... He's just not capable it doesn't he is capable but he's just doesn't get much nourishment himself so how can he feed the lambs how can he nourish... He can't relate to a loving nurturing God because his dad was very angry and abusive but he doesn't see this it's so heartbreaking and so frustrating frustrating
Yes, I'm still learning too the character of God, he revealed to me that I've been through so much abuse from my dads, and in general, that I have a twisted perception of him as this angry God waiting to punish, and I know that's not him, but it's what the majority of us have either been taught, or have learned by people who themselves were either decieved, or weren't saved to start with, I have faith that God will continue to change me and renew my mind though, ❤
Thank you for sharing this. Praying for continued humility, wisdom, and confidence in Christ for you as I know it is hard to lead others especially talking about these things that are so important. Hoping I can continue to be transformed by the renewal of my mind, listening to the Holy Spirit, learning to discern His voice. These videos have helped me greatly.
Wow. Wow. Wow! Thank you for this, Mark! Some people probably wouldn't "get" what you're saying here, but I so appreciate it. Thankful to the Lord for your ministry and that God isn't "hard" on us. His grace is enough! ❤️❤️❤️
If I was in my older charismatic moods, I would tell you “Mark I sense a heaviness on your heart and a certain bit of gravity that you don’t often display as you began to deliver this message. I can see the passion that you have for this message, and the heart/head connection is really apparent as you speak.”
I agree ☝️ I feel like we become more sin conscious than son conscious. Just out of curiosity, do you no longer agree with the deliverance ministry? I feel like everyone is so demon focused lately in an almost unhealthy manner
Deliverance is real, but sadly it's very rare that you will find a ministry that actually knows what real deliverance is, christ is our deliverance, we already have it if we have faith in the finished work of christ,
Most all churches preach every Sunday a message that contains “Do more, be more” I used to feel so heavy when I left. Ministers should be ashamed they know so little of the spirit of God and fasten burdens to Gods people instead of teaching to to live free in the spirit of grace. Aside from me YOU CAN DO NOTHING
The doctrine of hellfire and eternal torment dosent help at all and then when it’s preached with vigor and relish it really gets people into performance.
Hi mark, can you make a video on the how to live each day on basic principles or Christian , there is so much info on “what not to do and do” it’s very confusing.
Yes, the whole “God told me”… I have been subjected to this on many occasions in various circumstances. It’s big in some of the American charismatic and evangelical circles I’ve walked in. And it is encouraged, sadly, and it’s supported sometimes even by leaders. Thank you for saying these things.
I mean he does tell you things, but it's usually not in the ways you'll ever think, and it will never be condemning or confusing, for example God told me to cut my ex out of my life, because he was treating me as a side piece, I knew that I knew I wasn't supposed to stay with him, or he may tell you to leave a church because they may preach a condemning false gospel that's a twisting of scripture, when he speaks it'll be apparent, most the time though, I'm realizing its just our own thoughts, which is why we get so confused,
When I first realized that prayer was a compulsion for me and I talked to my OCD therapist about how to keep prayer in my life without it being a compulsion. She gave me the best advice I've gotten. And she said to Wait 15 minutes before I prayed so that I would do it without a spirit of fear. And that has become a question for me with a lot of things. "Am I doing this out of a spirit of Faith or fear?" And if it's fear, I wait until that anxiety has passed and then I can come to my worship in a spirit of faith. Thank you for these podcasts. It just helped my relationship with my heavenly father and Jesus so much.
LETS BE DISCERNING! This is it in a nutshell. We have tried to make being a Christian all about following these 10 steps or these 3 rules or these 5 signs. That we have forgotten how to minister to the individual. We have produced a Christianity for the masses and have wrought confusion and bondage all in the name of gaining numbers and not souls. We have forgotten discipleship is an individual thing, that we need one on one ministry and help and guidance. Everyone’s life looks different. Yes we can relate and have the same struggles but in general, the church has just thrown us a bone and we wonder why we are all suffering
@kaileybacal. yes. Instead of this teaching being the norm it's extremely rare. It has become all about "us" and what we are doing for God. And then I hear all the time that these people are humble and following Jesus. He never called us to striving after 10 commandments or however many rules we make up for ourselves. That's the LAW. Praise the Lord for people like Mark whose goal is the truth of the Gospel of Grace I love what you shared here ❤️💯📖 ..
This is honestly one of the most important messages that the Body of Christ needs to hear. Mark, thank you so much for being a grounded and sound voice, crying out on behalf of the heart of the Father.
I would say absolutely. I don’t have a church right now but went with my friend on resurrection Sunday. The entire sermon was self condemning. I could almost feel that it was all based on his own personal struggle. Such a disappointment. He is risen? It is finished? So frustrated with the church. Even on Twitter and everywhere I look it’s just people fighting over theology differences. “They will know you’re my disciples by the love you have for one another.” Not “they will know by your correct theology.” Sorry had to rant
@@BanronSright and I was there when I first came to the faith 3 years ago but thankfully God pulled me out of church and taught me through the Holy Spirit. People arguing about theology without knowing God’s true character….I would much rather find a group of like minded believers and have a home church than have a 501c3 pastor ramble about his self contempt for an hour every week lol. And also people are trying to please God in their human nature/flesh
@@laylascott6096 honestly its really tragic. In fact im trying to overcome the whole intellectualism aspect right now honestly. Yeah i think it boils down to being the most correct/right in the room . I think they ( whoever they may be) want to be the one who wins every argument. Ugh i hate that . I hate debates as well. Its like why.... why are you so intent on such things?? ( not you personally) . Wouldnt you say that its shaming others in a way? Arrogance maybe? Either way i hope you have a great day.
@@laylascott6096 also totally agree with you on the sermon topic. Its always a repeat of the year before. Lets get and go deeper people! Forget easter and xmas! Theyre pagan holidays! I mean ugh come on lolol
@@BanronSYes. I "almost" visited a church a few Sundays ago to encourage a non believing, non churched neighbor. She came away apologetic she only gave $5 as the pastor spoke of needing every person to give $50 per week. That's what she got out of it Ugh. So sad. I am not in an institutional church right now. The Spirit is my Teacher.
Hey Mark, THANK YOU for this! More please. I am convinced there is a flood coming if we keep chipping at this issue. Luke 32:12; After Jesus describes anxiety and toil in the world He says, “Don’t be afraid, it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.” We DON’T believe that! We bring anxiety and toil into our new life. Have you read ‘Martin Luther’s Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder’ by Ian Osborn?
Very powerful and insightful word! It sure hit home, especially the part about what voice do I hear. It is definitely an accusing one. I am trying to learn more of grace, but it is an uphill battle. Thank you for a brilliant message!
Bro you have no idea the freedom you are preaching and the effects it having. What i find amazing is so many people will say "if you just preach Gods love as a Father people will just do what ever they want!" My life has taught me ITS THE OPPISITE. If you tell people about Gods unconditional love (we are talking in the family here, christians born again) that His LOVE is what over comes sin! Its life changing. It makes you realize you have been decieved and decieving others and we gotta stop! We gotta return to the Love of the Father. Thats what paul said to believers! "I would see nothing among you but Christ crucified"!. Thats the Father's love. Its self sacrificial to us. His love is do deep that death itself is defeated by it. God is Love.
12:30 - 1:00 Thanks for explaining that we can sometimes "feed" compulsions. We can feed them without being the cause of them. Because many times, in my being stuck in my journey, I lash out at the wrong source. Even if the church may have fed something in me, they are not the cause. My own flesh is. Important distinction for my healing from spiritual wounds.
This is powerful! I feel like you have, “read my mail.” Thank you for another biblical, reflective and practical video! Healing…I am praying for your ministry! It is life changing! I share your videos and they are well received. 💕
Hey Mark, I dont know if you will see this but my ocd has been affecting me daily. For example, when picking a shirt, I will worry about where in the closet, "left side of the closet youll fall away and serve the devil and be a unbeliver, the middle you are good with God, right, youll fall away into a false religion." It also happens with numbers. 1 for example sometimes means ill fall away, so ill pick the 2nd thing, 3rd thing sometimes means ill go to a false god and reigion. Sometimes they switch. It affects me at work, so it will take me longer, for example if I mop, ill have to go over it a certain number of times or fears of something bad will happen. I even had fears about God taking me out because of the sin I was addicted to, or punishing me by not allowing me to get married, it also happens when I text with certain words, 2 times already I had to delete and replace words. Ocd also affects me with making decisions, doing little things, also recently I have been thinking about college, I have been very scared and think about, "what if im not meant to go here, what if I fall away if I go here, what if I make the wrong move." Fear has taken over me. I always have intrusive thoughts. I hope you see this, pray for me brother. I will pray for you too. God Bless.
God bless you I’m so sorry for what u are going through I can kind of relate with the decisions. But in general Just know God has not given u the spirit of fear but power love and sound mind 2 Timothy 1:7. And force yourself to believe it just as much as you force yourself to do compulsions (don’t mean this in a rude way just literally) fear and guilt and anxiety and compulsion is ur motive behind doing something DO NOT do it, or at least wait until that is gone before u engage in something (this could take mins,hours,days,months) It is hard not to give in but when u practice not giving in u will see the thoughts were lying and nothing bad will happen. You have to use the fruit of self control, You have to trust that God isn’t using fear, confusion condemnation to keep u in line or to do His will (it’s not in His character / not fruit of the spirit) there are many verses in the bible on what Gods character towards His children is and what it is not (confusion,condemnation,fear mongering). I pray you will overcome in Jesus name amen
Hi Mark. This was so good. The part about being Pharisaical in modern times really makes sense to me. It is so prevalent, not what Jesus died and rose again for.
Hey man wow, I just woke up with this video paused near the beginning on my TV wow I think you put your finger on something here God bless you I love you I never heard anything like this before ever
Do you have a video on bishops bullying a person stake presidents not believing the person, person not backing down so it runs out of control into an ugly, contentious and evil rival
